Topic: Joint swelling from Femara?

CHERYL, MY FEET HURT SO BAD, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STAND IN THE MORNING. NOW OFF FEMARA, FEET MUCH BETTER, BUT JOINTS IN SHOULDERS, VERY PAINFUL, AND HAVE STIFF THUMBS. AT LEAST YOUR ONC SAID IT MIGHT BE FROM FEMARA, MINE WOULDN'T ADMIT THAT, AND SAID I MIGHT HAVE FIBROMALGIA! NOT! I DIDN'T HAVE ANY OF THESE PROBLEMS BEFORE FEMARA. I ALSO HAVE PAIN IN MY HIP BONES WHEN I WAKE UP IN THE MORNING OR WHEN I SIT TO LONG. AND THANKS FOR THE INFO, I WILL SHOW IT TO MY ONC, IF I DECIDE TO GO BACK TO HER.

HOW LONG HAVE YOUR BEEN ON FEMARA?

Good morning biondi and tender:

Thanks for your replies. I have been on Femara for a year.  What to do about it. It's a good question.  At first I didn't think the joint swelling in my foot which is pretty intense (big and red and causes nerve pain) was from the Femara, I thought it was just coincidental.  However, it started at the same time as the other more tolerable pains in the joints (wrists, ankles, fingers, knees), and my other toe is starting to hurt now in the same way. I just don't think it's a coincidence.  I have a pretty high pain tolerance, and I have continued to exercise "through the pain."  But I am worried that I am causing permanent injuries (though my podiatrist says probably not).  It is sometimes excruciating to do a "fast walk." 

I am one of those who used to say "I"ll stay on Femara. I can take it."  Now I have changed my tune.  I don't want to stop exercising even if I can force myself to tolerate the pain.  In the new study I quoted (which was a very well done study although with a small "N" of 97), about 50% met criteria for rheumatologic referral, and then I already quoted that other part.

Today I'm having the CYP2D6 test to see how well I metabolize Femara, and also having Vit D levels taken.  I will probably go back on Tamoxifen.  Everybody must make her own decision.  I think this will be mine.  I will certainly wait to see what happens before I have surgery.  Maybe it will calm down on its own if I am off of Femara.

Thanks for listening.  I am really struggling with this.

Cheryl

How exciting Cheryl that you're getting the CYP2D6 test. I hope it's favorable and will allow your switch should you like. We have a thread (MOTC) keeping general track of results for we ladies here should you like to contribute.

Has anyone suggested GOUT as the reason for your big, swollen, red, tender toe? It's very common. One's blood shows uric acid elevation. May need two draws at separate times in case first is negative or draw when toe is really inflammed. X-ray can help too. An internist or family doctor should be able to address this with you.

Keeping my fingers crossed for an easy diagnosis.

Tender

Hello,

I have a swollen hell, was told it was plantar facia or something like that. I too am on femara and it's very painfull. Good luck with tamoxifen

Welga 

Hey Biondi,

I can't figure out how to send a link here (Hey, I'm almost 60, what do you expect? ☺) I just googled the title in quotes and came up with several hits.  If the first one doesn't work go to AMADEO breast cancer abstracts.  Good luck

Cheryl